Found Strange Objects Among Your Grandmother’s Belongings? Here’s What They Likely Are
Discover what those unusual-shaped pins among your grandmother’s things really are—hair perming pins! Learn their purpose, history, and practical uses.
That Moment You Found Something Mysterious
Going through your grandmother’s belongings can feel like opening a time capsule.
You stumble upon more than 30 small objects, all with unusual shapes that make you pause.
Your first thought: What on earth are these?
They’re not ordinary pins, sewing tools, or craft supplies. If you examine them closely, you’ll likely realize they’re hair perming pins—a tool that was once a staple in hair styling, especially in the mid-20th century.
What Are Hair Perming Pins?
Hair perming pins are small, specialized metal or plastic pins used to hold hair in place while a perm (permanent wave) is set.
How They Work
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Hair is sectioned and wrapped around perm rods or curlers.
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Hair perming solution is applied to set the curl.
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Hair is secured in place using these pins to maintain shape and tension.
Key features:
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Usually rigid and slightly curved
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Can withstand heat or chemical solutions
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Designed to hold hair tightly without slipping
Why There Were So Many
It’s common to find 30 or more pins in a collection because:
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Each curl or section requires a separate pin
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Hair stylists or enthusiasts kept extras in case some bent or broke
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Pins were reusable, but having plenty saved time and effort
A Bit of History
Hair perms became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, with a major boom in the 1950s and 1960s.
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Women styled their hair at home or at salons using perm rods, curling irons, and these pins.
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These pins were considered essential tools for achieving lasting curls, especially before modern heatless curling techniques became widespread.
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Collecting them was normal—many households had a box or tin dedicated to perming accessories.
Identifying Hair Perming Pins
Here’s what to look for if you’re unsure:
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Size: Small, usually 1–3 inches
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Material: Metal, sometimes coated with plastic or rubber tips
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Shape: Slightly curved or bent to hold hair around a rod
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Quantity: Often stored in dozens for convenience
Tip: Compare them to photos online or ask a vintage beauty supply store—they can often confirm immediately.
Real-Life Use Cases
Even today, hair perming pins can be useful:
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Vintage hairstyling: For authentic retro looks
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DIY curling: Can hold hair in rollers or rods
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Crafting: Some people repurpose them for sewing, jewelry, or art projects
How to Preserve Them
If you want to keep them as part of a collection:
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Clean gently with mild soap and water
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Dry thoroughly to prevent rust
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Store in a small box or tin away from moisture
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Avoid bending them to maintain their original shape
Why This Discovery Matters
Finding these pins isn’t just about curiosity—it’s a glimpse into your grandmother’s life, beauty routines, and the era she lived in.
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They reflect trends and technology of the time
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They show care and attention to personal grooming
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They connect you to history in a tactile, hands-on way
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are these pins dangerous?
No—hair perming pins are generally safe unless they are rusty or broken.
2. Can I still use them?
Yes, for hairstyling or craft purposes. Just inspect for rust or bent parts.
3. Are they collectible?
Some vintage beauty tools are sought after by collectors, especially if in original condition.
4. How were they different from bobby pins?
Hair perming pins were larger, stronger, and designed to hold hair under tension during chemical treatments.
5. Can I clean them safely?
Yes—soap, water, and gentle scrubbing are sufficient. Avoid harsh chemicals that can corrode metal.
Those unusual-shaped pins among your grandmother’s belongings are hair perming pins—an essential tool from a bygone era of hairstyling.
They’re more than just small metal objects—they’re a piece of beauty history, a window into your grandmother’s life, and even a quirky way to explore vintage hairstyling today.
If you found similar objects, share your discovery or comment with photos—you might be surprised by how many people recognize and cherish these little historical treasures.